2018 Mercedes-AMG GT S review

To call the original Mercedes-AMG GT S a disappointment would be far too strong, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.

It was AMG’s second stab at a standalone sports car after the SLS Gullwing, but though its size, engine and price were all downsized, performance was anything but, its 375kW/650Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 punching it to 100km/h in just 3.8sec. However, this repositioning put it head-to-head with the Porsche 911 and 50 years of finely honed sports car engineering.

Against such a formidable foe any cracks in the armour were going to be ruthlessly exploited and the AMG GT S had two. At PCOTY 2016 it impressed mightily with its ability, but a dislike of mid-corner bumps and light, darty steering were a constant barrier to enjoyment and left Affalterbach’s angriest trailing not only the 911 GT3, but its C63 baby brother.

To be frank, not even the most finely calibrated bum dyno is going to notice the extra grunt, but then the GT S wasn’t lacking to begin with. A C63 Coupe might have similar outputs, but the GT S’s 155kg weight advantage makes it decisively the more potent machine.

The power is all-consuming and unrelenting, accompanied by an exhaust note that is awesome and terrifying in equal measure, with a deep roar under heavy load followed by seriously antisocial levels of exhaust theatrics on the overrun.

Easily the most apparent difference between the focused GT S and AMG’s more traditional two-doors is road-holding ability. Compared to a C63 Coupe, for instance, the traction and lateral grip the bespoke sports car can generate is stunning.

The early kilometres of our test drive took place on streaming wet roads, yet the GT S scythed through with indecent pace. These first few turns also provided proof of the rumoured chassis improvements. Mercedes is tight-lipped, but word is there has been some fettling of steering and suspension settings, with the former in particular feeling much more resolved.

There are still a couple of foibles: Small-amplitude bumps mid-corner still spook the GT S (and the driver) mightily, and the optional carbon-ceramic brakes were a little unresponsive at the top of the pedal (though awesomely powerful), but the GT S contains arguably the most important sports car ingredient – fun. It’s a raw beast.

What it loses to the Porsche in poise it makes up for in noise. If, like me, you’re a hoon at heart, it could be the sports car that best hits the mark.

4.5 stars out of 5 Likes: Engine; smooth-road dynamics; attitude Dislikes: Dislikes bumps; road noise

2018 Mercedes AMG GT S Specs: Engine: 3982cc V8, DOHC, 32v, twin-turbo Power: 384kW @ 6250rpm Torque: 670Nm @ 1800-5000rpm Weight: 1570kg 0-100km/h: 3.8sec (claimed) Price: $298,711